2017 Ram Power Wagon

Most pickup trucks are built for the off-road terrains. However, despite their off-road capability, there are some types of terrain they cannot access. Such terrains require specially modified trucks. To tackle such terrain you need a real off-road beast and it can’t get better than the 2017 Ram Power Wagon. The Power Wagon gives buyers an access pass to areas not accessible by any other pickup truck.

The truck dates back to 1945, back then it was based on the Weapons Carrier (WC) model of the Dodge 3/4 –ton military truck. The current model is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4×4 Crew Cab. The truck is enhanced to travel into extreme terrain and combines this capability with huge power and intimidating looks. The truck is offered in Tradesman and Laramie trims. Read along to find out more;

2017 Ram Power Wagon Exterior

The new 2017 Ram Power Wagon is still based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4X4 Crew Cab. It doesn’t feature many changes compared with the outgoing model. However, the grille has been significantly redesigned. The new grille design is inspired by that of the Ram 1500 Rebel-Ram. It features a double-hooped design featuring the RAM logo in huge satin chrome letters in place of the crosshair grille. The grille is flanked by a pair of projector headlights integrated with LED marker lights

The vehicle rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels in place of the 5-spoke chrome wheels on the outgoing Power wagon. The wheels are wrapped in 33-inch off-road tires. The truck also features a graphics package which offers a vertical Power Wagon logo on the cargo bed’s leading edge, a 4×4 emblem between the rear taillights, and a Power Wagon Logo across the tailgate below the massive RAM logo.

Other features include an optional Ram Box on the bed walls which create excellent storage areas, optional trailer tow mirrors and bi-functional projector headlights with LED DRLs.

2017 Ram Power Wagon Interior

Though the Power Wagon is a dedicated off-roader it doesn’t mean its interior is rudimentary. The interior is nice and comfortable. Most of the interior cues are carry-overs from the outgoing model.

The seats upholstery design features a tread pattern similar to that of the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires it rides on. A set of Power Wagon logos are featured on its seatbacks. The seats are upholstered in vinyl as standard but there is an option for cloth upholstery on the Tradesman trim.

Both trim levels have an option for a 40/20/40 front bench seat and a folding center console. The rear bench seat accommodates three passengers. This means the Power Wagon can carry six passengers with two passengers squeezed in front.

The dashboard is unchanged from the outgoing models. The cabin also features a 7.0 inch high-resolution screen on the instruments cluster. Also, there is a second screen mounted on the center-console, it’s an 8.4-inch which integrates the Uconnect system which features a navigation system.

The vehicle also features a column-mounted gear shifter which comes with manual gear sector controls. This feature used to be common with past trucks and old-school buyers will particularly love this it.

Engine Specs and Performance

Just like its predecessor, the new Power comes with an unchanged dive-train. It is a 6.4 L Hemi V-8 which comes good with 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. The power is channeled to all wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

To enhance the engine, the automaker has added a Borg Warner BW 44-77, 2-speed, manually controlled transfer case. Further, the setup features a crawl ratio of 32.64:1 which when combined with the 4:10 ratios in its axles give the Power Wagon plenty of torque multiplication.

The Wagon can tow as much as 10,030 pounds and is also capable of hauling as much as 1,520 pounds. It also features a cylinder deactivation system that helps the V-8 engine economize on fuel. Official fuel economy figures will be released later.

To further enhance its off-road capability, the Power wagon also features an enhanced suspension including a disconnecting sway bar that enhances articulation. Further, the truck employs front and rear electronic-locking differentials. If you get stuck on the mud, a recovery winch from Warn that can pull as much as 12,000 pounds comes in handy.

Its 14.3-inch ground clearance level courtesy of its 3-inch suspension lift, 33.6-degree approach angle, 23.5-degree break-over angle and a departure angle 26.2 degrees means it can maneuver in almost any terrain you can think of. What’s more, the truck is capable of driving through 30 inches of water.

Price and release date

Ram is yet to announce official prices of the 2017 Power Wagon. However, we don’t expect any price changes from those of the 2016 model and in case of any increase, it will be minimal.

Currently the Ram Power Wagon Tradesman sells at $ 46,560 while the Power Wagon Laramie goes for $ 57, 580. The model will be availed to dealerships in the US during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Competition

The Power Wagon will contend with the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor, a well known off-road to truck whose high-speed desert racing style of wheeling is unrivalled.